The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-17
EMANCIPATION IN BRAZIL:
The Debate on the Measure Which Contem.
plates Liberation of All Slaves.

The Debate on the Measure Which Contem-
plates Liberation of All Slaves.
Chicago Herald.
Brazil, the second American state in extent of
area-exceptng of course, Canada, which, by
the side of nations is neither fish, flesh nor fowl
is just now the theater of debate which can
not fail to result IN wiping out the last remain
ing trace of slavery from the Western hemis-
phere. The empire of Dom Pedro is not much
smaller than that of the United States; its natu-
raj resources are not surpassed by any area of
equal extent the globe. It has, for the most
part, equable climate. illimitable forests, a
pregnant soil. hills and mountains bristling with
mineral wealth, unbounded grazing fields, and a
vegetation which is the wonder at once of the
naturalist and farmer. The population is not
large-about one-fifth of that of the United
States-and Of this number one-tenth are slaves.
Many of the remainder are semi barbaric Indi-
ans and half breeds, it is true, but there are
also large agricultural, manufacturing and com
the house of Portugal-is not an old one, but it
has already done m uch fol the uplifting of the
country and the expansion of its resources.
Dom Pedro H.. the reigning Emperor, has
passed the anniversary which Victoria of Eng
land is about to celebrate. He technically took
the throne in 1885, upon the abdication of his
father, the son of John VI of Portugal The
second Braganza has done much to endear him
self to the people and to commend his admins
tration to the favor of the civilized world.
Upon the question of slavery his attitude has
been one of the utmost discretion. lberality and
good statesmanshp Though Emperor with
large personal powers. he has permitted himself
to be hemmed about with considerable cOnStltu-
tienal restrictions. His empire is practically
and wisely ruled by Senate, whose members
hold for life. and Chamber of Delegates. elected
every four years Upon the convening of the
latter body last month q bill introduced
providing practically for the liberation of every
one OF the 200, 900 negro slaves in the empire
The way was already paved for such innova-
ton. In 1871 a law was passed requiring the
liberation of all slaves registered by their
masters by a certain date The slaves at that time
numbered 2. 000, 900. but under the operation of
the law to the present year 500 900 have been
freed. The new measure contemplates the
liberation of those who remain in servitude
within the next two years. Thus all freedmen will
be required to remain rwoyears with their pres
ent masters upon "A just salary. From this condi-
ton exempted slaves over fifty years of age,
others who able to purchase their instant
freedom. and also those who meanwhile inter-
marry with freedmen women. Heretofore
certain revenues and other taxes have been ap-
piled emancip patton fund. All such sums
are by the pending measure diverted into fund
for establishment of practical and professional
education of freedmens children and OF asylums
fer freedmen ncapactated for work
With the memory of 1861 not yet obliterated,
Americans may look with something like regret
ferior pretension to enlightenment, designed for
the solution of a problem which was adjusted
here only at incalculable loss of blood and
treasure. In Brazil in the United States,
there is An aristocratic and opinionated class
whose interests will be most seriously affected
by the new law. But iii Brazil it is not found
necessary to have recourse to barbarous to
pacate that class or overcrow its voice in the
government It is said that the new law may
fail of passage now. but that it must inevitably
be enrolled upon the statute books before an
other year.